This bill increases the penalty, from a class A misdemeanor to a class D felony, for anyone whose interference with a peace officer, revenue services special police officer, motor vehicle inspector, or firefighter performing his or her duties causes the death or serious injury to another person. Under current law, obstructing, resisting, hindering, or endangering such officers in the performance of their duties is a class A misdemeanor.

By law, a class D felony is punishable by a fine of up to $5,000, one to five years imprisonment, or both. A class A misdemeanor is punishable by a fine of up to $2,000, up to one year imprisonment, or both.

EFFECTIVE DATE: October 1, 2013

BACKGROUND

Peace Officer

Under state law, “peace officer” means a state or local police officer; inspector in the Criminal Justice Division; state or judicial marshal exercising legal authority; conservation or special conservation officer; constable who performs criminal law enforcement duties; special policeman, with some limitations; adult probation officer; officials authorized to make arrests in correctional institutions or facilities; Treasurer's Office investigator; or federal special agent authorized to enforce federal food and drug statutes (CGS § 53a-3).